The paper is held out in front of the flash and on top of the lens. Bent and curved. The flash bounces off that and onto the subject. The problem with most setups, is that they are more for std macro shots and closeups, not for higher ratios. For the higher ratios, the added lens might only be 3-5mm away from the subject. Thats where the curved paper works well.

The only time I've used a tripod is to mount the cameras to it, so I can take a photo of it with the setup. Don't use tripods either. Otherwise I would need four hands, two to hold the setup and two to take the shot :-). Tripods are a waste of time for macro for me. And thats in the southern hemisphere. We can make and use brackets down here as well, LOL. Its not a northern hemisphere thing and its not new :-)

Thanks you NZmacro although I am not sure to haveundrestood perfectly this layout

"The paper is held out in front of the flash and on top of the lens. Bent and curved"

In this case it would be twice diffused (from the part of paper in front of the flash and from that upon the lens.
Or do you mean that the paper is attached on top of the flash and then it bends down to be fixed on the lens ?

I am new to the macro game - compared to your expertise!
Did not intend to "upset" you.

I have looked for brackets, but those that I found had a weight comparable to that of my camera.
It was part of my game with Francesco, to find a light weight solution.
My personal limit is the altoid box and a fuji film container.

LOL, you would have to try very hard to upset me Sven :-), I don't think its possible :-)

Your bracket looks more sofisticated than mine. I just use bent aluminium and it looks nothing great at all. At the end of the day, a good shot is a good shot. Whether it was taken with a $5,000 camera and $,2000 flash gear or if it was taken on adisposable cameramakes no difference at all :-). Everyone has different ideas on lighting, some like highlights to be seen and others don't. Some like shadows to form depth to an image and some don't. It all comes down to softening those shadows and that you have done. Its shows how clever people are when they need to be.

Anyway, I'll throw a few shots together of a very simple cheap setup I use. Mainly forcloser lens to subject distances which are always hard to get light on.